Toronto Blue Jays outfield targets: Big names to watch in free agency, trades

Josh Reddick (He’s the one on the right)  –  29 years old
Los Angeles Dodgers (Formerly Oakland Athletics)

Perhaps it’s the hair, the personality, and thus, the related Donaldson-esque aura of Josh Reddick, but he’s already become a fan favourite to be in the Blue Jays outfield next season.

Reddick’s career has taken a variety of shapes over the years as he’s developed into a very strong outfielder despite not maintaining his breakout season in 2012.

That year, his first with the Athletics at age 25 after a deal from Boston, Reddick launched 32 home runs with 85 RBI. He balanced that out with 151 strikeouts though, which he thankfully has not approached since.

He still possesses 20-homer power and has plenty of prime years left. Perhaps a reasonable power comparable for his expected peak would be Michael Saunders. He’s taken steps each season since 2012 to cut his strikeouts and improve his on-base percentage, something that has grown to the point of being a legitimate tool for him.

Between the Athletics and Dodgers this season, Reddick posted a line of .281 / .345 / .405. His production fell off the table after being dealt to Los Angeles, but he recovered in the final month of the season and went 8-for-26 in the playoffs.

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Defensively, Reddick has played primarily as a right-fielder throughout his career and possesses a very powerful throwing arm, something the Blue Jays have seen fade in Jose Bautista since his shoulder injury.

Reddick’s numbers should still keep him as more of a mid-level option, but he’s certainly in the upper echelon of that ‘B’ group. This is especially true in a free agent market that’s not overflowing with talent, so Reddick will be able to command a handsome salary.

The more difficult conversation with the Blue Jays would be the term of a deal, as adding another four-to-five year deal alongside Troy Tulowitzki’s and Russell Martin’s hefty salaries would further consolidate Toronto’s salary to a small group of players. With young talent like Stroman, Sanchez, Osuna, Travis, and Pillar getting more expensive soon, the Jays need to be careful.

Up Next: The former shortstop who became an outfield All-Star